NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY

The 25th Annual National Public Lands Day is happening on September 22, 2018!

Mark September 22 on your calendar and make plans to head to your favorite outdoor spot as NEEF gets set to celebrate the 25th annual National Public Lands Day, nationally sponsored by Toyota Motor North America. No matter what is happening in the world, on National Public Lands Day, outdoor enthusiasts turn out in droves to give back to and enjoy their favorite outdoor places.

Every day, natural disasters and extreme weather, human activities, and a host of other factors take their toll on our public lands, threatening the health and wellbeing of the people and wildlife who depend on them. Public land managers, volunteers, and others who steward these special places work tirelessly to restore these areas, make them more resilient to future threats, and ensure that people and wildlife continue to enjoy them for years to come.

This enduring support and commitment to public lands year after year inspired NEEF to focus National Public Lands Day 2018 on resilience and restoration. Our natural resources are resilient, but only if we treat them right and give them the care they need. Through volunteer service on National Public Lands Day as well as grant support to local organizations, NEEF helps ensure people of all ages and abilities connect with public lands for recreation, hands-on learning, and community-building—now and in the future.

The House Natural Resources Committee today marked up legislation dealing with revenue sharing, national parks, the Land and Water Conservation Fund and other matters. Natural Resources Committee

Despite last-minute fireworks from a Louisiana Republican, a House committee this morning advanced three major bills, including one that permanently reauthorizes a popular land and water conservation program before it expires on Sept. 30.

Natural Resources Chairman Rob Bishop (R-Utah) and the panel’s top Democrat, Rep. Raúl Grijalva of Arizona, hammered out a bipartisan agreement that extends the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a major win for many of the program’s supporters who are tired of 11th-hour scrambles over the years to temporarily authorize LWCF.

The voice vote on the deal came as a surprise during a markup that initially was only supposed to consider one bill: the “Restore Our Parks and Public Lands Act,” H.R. 6510.

But a decision by House leadership to cancel tomorrow’s session, as well as pressure from Louisiana Republican Rep. Garret Graves to take up his bill boosting the share of offshore oil and gas drilling revenues for Gulf Coast states, forced a doubleheader session on the three bills, as Bishop put it.

The committee also advanced Graves’ bill — H.R. 6771, which would increase the revenue-sharing for Gulf states from the current level of 37.5 percent to 50 percent — and the parks bill by voice vote.

The LWCF bill would allocate 40 percent of money to the fund’s state-side program, 40 percent to the federal government and 20 percent for other necessary activities that could include deferred maintenance needs, for example.

Under the legislation, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. territories would be treated as individual states with equal shares for the purposes of LWCF.

Another provision would give a 3 percent set-aside for recreation access, requiring the Interior secretary to put together a list of priority projects.

“This is a taste of what’s possible when people work together in good faith,” Grijalva said today. “Days like these are far too rare in Congress, and if we keep this up, we might just restore public trust in Congress’ ability to get things done.”

Bishop added, “My reservations about the program have never been about the goals of LWCF, rather I’ve been frustrated that the implementation of the program fell short of the law’s intended purpose.”

Bishop stuck to his agreement with Grijalva, rejecting several ultimately unsuccessful amendments from other Republicans, including one from Rep. Louie Gohmert of Texas, seeking to decrease the annual authorized $900 million LWCF amount by half.

Another from Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) would have required the Interior secretary to sell an equal number of acres for land acquired by the federal government under LWCF.

LWCF still has a way to go in the face of an abbreviated congressional calendar: The full House needs to take up the measure, and the matter remains in limbo in the Senate. Members there continue to struggle to find a vehicle for reauthorization.

Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.), the program’s longtime champion who has been pushing in recent weeks to permanently reauthorize it, said he’s “been closely following” the House bill.

“There is strong, bipartisan support in both chambers for permanently reauthorizing LWCF,” Burr said in a statement. “With the program’s expiration deadline quickly approaching, I will not let up my push for a vote on LWCF to save America’s most popular and successful conservation program.”

Burr has not yet taken a position on the House bill, said his spokeswoman Caitlin Carroll.

Outside groups were pleased with today’s outcome.

“We’re thrilled that Chairman Bishop and ranking member Grijalva are working together on a compromise that advances the Land and Water Conservation Fund in a meaningful way. We’re now one step closer to permanently reauthorizing LWCF,” said Julia Peebles, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers’ government relations manager.

However, Peebles acknowledged that the fight wasn’t over. “BHA and our partners will redouble our efforts in support of LWCF to ensure that this bill crosses the finish line — and we also will continue our work to secure dedicated funding for America’s most popular and successful conservation and access program,” she said.

Bipartisan parks bill

The parks bill would create a five-year, $6.5 billion fund for four Interior agencies to address long-standing maintenance and construction backlogs at the nation’s parks, wildlife refuges and Bureau of Indian Education schools.

“I recognize this won’t stand alone, but ultimately there will be other pieces that have to go forward with it,” said Bishop, specifically mentioning revenue-sharing with states and the authorization of the LWCF as “elements” that ultimately will have to be dealt with in some way.

The money for the proposed “National Park Service and Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund” would be made up of 50 percent of all otherwise unallocated revenue from energy production on federal lands and waters.

Interior’s largest agencies — the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, and Fish and Wildlife Service, along with the Bureau of Indian Education — would benefit from the fund. The legislation, similar to a bipartisan bill introduced in June in the Senate, is a combination of existing proposals.

But today’s markup devolved into a debate over where precious oil and gas drilling revenues go and which lands and waters benefit from those conservation dollars.

Graves and Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) unsuccessfully introduced several amendments — more than 20 — to H.R. 6510. All the provisions essentially tried to protect the Gulf Coast states from losing out.

Lawmakers from those states, which produce the lion’s share of offshore oil and gas drilling revenues, are concerned the parks bill would take money meant for them.

GOMESA

The Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act, passed after Hurricane Katrina, allowed Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas to share 37.5 percent of oil and gas revenues produced in federal waters off their coasts to assist them with coastal restoration and hurricane protection.

Graves used the markup to vociferously fight for his state’s share of oil and gas drilling money, which Louisiana uses for coastal restoration and other conservation projects.

While the panel rejected his amendments to the parks bill, no one voiced objection to his GOMESA reform legislation, just introduced yesterday.

Kevin Roig, Graves’ deputy chief of staff, said his bill “brings revenue-sharing from offshore production more in line with onshore. While state producing energy onshore federal lands get to retain 50 percent of the energy revenues, coastal states have received a small fraction.”

Roig said Graves’ bill would also ensure new revenues would go to coastal restoration projects that help communities better weather hurricanes and other disasters. The proposed 50 percent in sharing would be for leases issues after December 2006.

California Democratic Rep. Jared Huffman said he wanted to focus on areas of agreement to restore important wetlands in Louisiana and elsewhere.

“We’ve got a lot of grievances we can bring to these conversations,” Huffman said to Graves, responding to the Louisianan’s remarks over how other states benefit greatly from his state’s energy development.

“I want to see the right thing done, but without punishing other states,” Huffman said.

Under the direction of the Park Manager, the Assistant Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of a recreation-based or natural resource/historic park. These responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Operates park with a business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit that focuses on revenue generation, cost effectiveness, and innovation;

Develops partnerships through fostering and maintaining positive relationships with external organizations such as, but limited to, friends groups, chambers of commerce, media, special interest groups, and local, state and federal government entities;

Elevating Outdoor Recreation Together

Opportunities for synergy between state offices of outdoor recreation and federal land-management agencies, the outdoor recreation industry, non- governmental organizations, and local outdoor recreation providers

Research conducted by Brooke Sausser, a Master’s student at Utah State University, under the advisement of Dr. Jordan W. Smith, Director of

the Institute of Outdoor

Recreation and Tourism

With special thanks to the interviewees, the Outdoor program for

This study was initiated and commissioned by the Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Division of the National Park Service. Invaluable guidance, editing, and support provided by Bob Ratcliffe, Krista Sherwood, and Adam Milnor.

STATE PARK MANAGER SUPERVISOR II The incumbent provides direct supervision and coordination of staff to operate Clinton State Park. Duties include preparing budget requests; purchasing supplies and equipment; directing the sale of department permits and licenses, includes the collection and accounting of funds received; planning and overseeing contracted work; supervising and coordinating the construction, maintenance and repair of area buildings, grounds, equipment, roads, ditches, dikes, shelters, beaches, boat ramps and utilities; actively participating in interviewing, hiring, training and evaluating employees; enforcing laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to the protection of park facilities and visitors; coordinating park activities and events; and providing information regarding park rules, facilities, and area history. more info

STATE PARK MANAGER SUPERVISOR I Provides direct supervision and coordination of staff to operate Elk City State Park. Duties include preparing budget requests; purchasing supplies and equipment; directing the sale of department permits and licenses, includes the collection and accounting of funds received; planning and overseeing contracted work; supervising and coordinating the construction, maintenance and repair of area buildings, grounds, equipment, roads, ditches, dikes, shelters, beaches, boat ramps and utilities; actively participating, interviewing, hiring, training and evaluating employees; enforcing laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to the protection of park facilities and visitors; and providing information regarding park rules, facilities, and area history. more info

NATURAL RESOURCE OFFICER I (PARK RANGER) This classified, permanent, full-time position is located at Elk City State Park. The incumbent administers and participates in law enforcement activities in assigned state park areas; enforces license and permit requirements; detects violations, make arrests, collects evidence, prepares cases, and testifies, as required; coordinates and conducts property and facility inspections; develops, coordinates and maintains a public relations program; represents the department through public speaking, constituent contacts, media contacts, and educational program participation; plans, assigns, reviews, and schedules work performance of park staff responsible for safety, construction, trail development, trail maintenance, routine park maintenance, land management, development, permit sales, and public relations, as assigned by supervisor; prepares and submits budget and cost estimates; conduct studies and surveys; recommends and participates in training development; and coordinates and actively participates in all aspects of park maintenance. more info

Grand Teton National Park Superintendent David Vela has been nominated to serve as the next director of the National Park Service.

Ending two months of speculation on Friday, President Donald Trump named Vela as his pick to head the agency, which has not had a permanent director since Jonathan Jarvis retired in January 2017.

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke praised the move in an official release.

“David Vela has demonstrated all of the ideals that the National Park Service stands for,” Zinke said, “and his long track record of leadership on behalf of the people and places of the National Park Service distinguish him as the right man for the job.”

Grand Teton National Park Superintendent David Vela has been nominated to serve as the next director of the National Park Service.

Ending two months of speculation on Friday, President Donald Trump named Vela as his pick to head the agency, which has not had a permanent director since Jonathan Jarvis retired in January 2017.

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke praised the move in an official release.

“David Vela has demonstrated all of the ideals that the National Park Service stands for,” Zinke said, “and his long track record of leadership on behalf of the people and places of the National Park Service distinguish him as the right man for the job.”

https://www.stateparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/NPS-logo-1.png256197NASPDhttp://www.stateparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Americas_State_Parks_Logo-300x188.jpgNASPD2018-09-01 19:20:242018-09-01 19:32:49President Names Vela to Lead National Park Service

Many of the early parks and preservation projects accomplished in the United States were through legislative acts by
the states. There was recognition of this growing responsibility in a relatively new field of public service. It
was through early successes that such American landmarks as Niagara Falls, the California redwoods, and the San
Jacinto battleground were saved for prosperity. A few years later, guided by Stephen Mather, the first National
Conference on [State] Parks to promote state and other public parks was conceived, organized, convened and actively
supported by practically every park and conservation luminary in the country. Held in Des Moines, Iowa in January
1921, it brought together some 200 highly motivated delegates and ignited a “prairie fire” for the development of
public parks across America. From the success of this auspicious convocation of modest beginnings grew a national
state park movement that has achieved unimaginable success.11Adapted from The State Park Movement in America by Ney Landrum

America’s State Parks today include more than 2,200 traditional state parks and more than 8,100 additional
areas that provide wonderful outdoor recreation experiences and unique historical, scientific and environmental
education opportunities. Eighteen and one-half million acres provide for grand diversity – from the vastness of a
half-million acre mountainous landscape, to the colorful intricacies of a living coral reef, to the world’s longest
stalactite formation, to the tallest sand on the Atlantic seaboard, to the historic locations where European
settlers first came to America, and much more. This mosaic of the natural resources and cultural fabric of America
and the splendor of its beauty are enjoyed by 791 million visitors to state parks annually. Both remote and resort
in their offerings, America’s State Parks are indeed yours to explore and experience.

Now, as during the past century and the beginning of the state park movement, the support of partners are invaluable
to success of parks. America’s State Parks have long been recognized their accessibility, and for
their effectiveness and management efficiencies.

Support from individuals, friends groups and corporate America are central to continuing to provide and advance quality
outdoor recreation experiences and opportunities in America’s State Parks and safeguard their importance to the
nation’s environment, heritage, health and economy.